2 hours ago
Last Updated:January 21, 2026, 07:53 IST
Macron condemned the growing use of tariffs as political pressure tools, calling them “fundamentally unacceptable.”
France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos. (AFP photo)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday delivered a sharp rebuke to what he described as rising global coercion, saying France and Europe would choose “respect over bullies" and the “rule of law over brutality," as tensions escalate with the United States.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Macron reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to national sovereignty, multilateral institutions and international law, at a time when US President Donald Trump has threatened punitive tariffs and floated controversial territorial ambitions, including plans to take control of Greenland.
“France and Europe are attached to sovereignty and independence, to the United Nations and its charter," Macron said, warning that the world is drifting towards a disorderly system marked by weakening collective governance and unrestrained competition.
The French leader criticised what he called aggressive US trade practices, accusing Washington of pursuing agreements that undermine European exports while demanding disproportionate concessions.
He also condemned the growing use of tariffs as political pressure tools, calling them “fundamentally unacceptable," especially when linked to territorial sovereignty.
“We need more growth and more stability," Macron said, adding pointedly, “But we do prefer respect to bullies. And we do prefer the rule of law to brutality."
Macron’s remarks come amid an increasingly public dispute with President Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs as high as 200 per cent on French wine and champagne.
The warning followed reports that Paris is unwilling to join Trump’s proposed global “Board of Peace," a US-led initiative that was initially framed around post-war reconstruction in Gaza but whose charter appears to extend far beyond the Palestinian territory.
Trump also lashed out after France declined the invitation, claiming he could force compliance through trade penalties. “I’ll put a 200 per cent tariff on his wines and champagnes," Trump said, referring to Macron.
Tensions have been further inflamed by France’s open mockery of Washington’s justification for Trump’s fixation on Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
In a post on X, France’s foreign ministry drew sarcastic parallels between pre-emptive action and absurd hypotheticals, ridiculing the argument that future threats justify present-day seizures.
The comments were aimed at US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who defended Trump’s Greenland push by citing potential Russian threats in the Arctic and arguing that US security commitments could eventually drag Washington into conflict.
French officials have dismissed the tariff threats as both “unacceptable" and “ineffective," according to sources close to Macron, stressing that France will not be intimidated into abandoning its positions on sovereignty or international norms.
First Published:
January 21, 2026, 07:53 IST
News world ‘We Prefer Respect To Bullies’: Macron Takes On Trump At Davos Amid Tariff Threats
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
